Develop the skills you need to gain a greater understanding of nutrition, and the science behind food in the largest business sector in the world.
Studying Food Science and Innovation prepares you to be a leader in developing innovative, safe, healthy and sustainable foods. The program provides a solid foundation in biological and chemical sciences, giving you the applied knowledge and skills necessary for a career in the food industry - one of the world's largest business sectors.
You can also choose to major in Human Nutrition, exploring food and nutrient concepts related to human metabolism and physiology, along with the management of nutrients in relation to appetite, exercise, health and disease. The degree is flexible, allowing you to undertake units in human nutrition and health, food production, biotechnology, and integrated management with industry and community links.
You will develop a wide range of laboratory and research skills, supported by access to modern food processing plants and kitchen facilities at the Hawkesbury campus. The program includes opportunities for work placements and research alongside experienced staff. With a strong connection to industry and community, and access to facilities that support real-world learning, this program equips you with the confidence to succeed in the rapidly evolving food technology sector.
Depending on your major, graduates can apply for admission to the Royal Australian Chemical Institute, the Australian Society of Microbiology, the Australian Institute of Biology, the Australian Institute of Physics, the Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, the Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales, and Environmental Health Australia.
Western Sydney University offers access to cutting-edge, purpose-built facilities that enhance hands-on learning and research across many disciplines including science, food, health and forensics. Our $30 million, state-of-the-art laboratories include Environmental and Occupational Health Labs, University Farm, a food science kitchen, sensory and food processing pilot plant, and advanced imaging and instrumentation labs. You’ll work with leading technology such as polarisation microscopy systems, the Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometer, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance facility, and confocal bio-imaging—some of the best in the Southern Hemisphere.
For students specialising in forensic and environmental science, the university’s Crime Scene Investigation Training and Research Facility offers unmatched simulation spaces, including burn rooms, a clandestine lab, outdoor clandestine gravesites, and vehicle and environmental incidents. Penrith Observatory further supports astronomy and environmental research. Combined with industry-connected programs and the practical experience available at the Hawkesbury campus and University Farm, our facilities ensure you're fully equipped to apply your skills in real-world settings.
To learn more about our Science facilities click here.
Depending on your major, a work internship for science professionals provides 100 hours of placement.
Science at Western partner with many research institutes, public and private health organisations, industry partners, Government, and community organisations at the local, national and international level.
The Bachelor of Science offers flexibility with lectures recorded and made available online, with many lectures also live-streamed.
Western is amongst the top 10 Universities in Australia to study agricultural science (2024 QS World Rankings).
The program structure is outlined in our handbook. Here you can view all of the subjects you will be studying.
Graduates can pursue opportunities in:
Applicants who have undertaken studies overseas may have to provide proof of proficiency in English. Local applicants who are applying through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) will find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on the UAC website. Local applicants applying directly to the University should also use the information provided on the UAC website. Find out more here.
Please consult the handbook for more information.
**Please note, if this course lists a part-time option, this is not available to International Students on a Student Visa.
Please consult the handbook for more information regarding entry requirements for this course.
You can read more about international academic entry requirements here.
A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is one that is subsidised by the Commonwealth and applicable only to Domestic students. This means that the Australian Government pays part of your fees towards your program, therefore reducing your program fees, and the remaining amount is paid by you, this is considered your Student Contribution.
The fee estimates provided are indicative only and subject to change. These estimates are based on the current fee structures for a normal full time study load. However, the final fees may vary depending on several factors, including the specific subjects chosen, the duration and timing of study, and annual fee adjustments (subject to Commonwealth student contribution band rates). Please note that these estimates do not include the Student Services and Amenities Fee. We encourage all prospective and current students to consult with our Student Services Hub for the most current fee information.
As a multi-campus institution, Western Sydney University and its entities reserves the right to alter the location of its programs between campuses and other locations as necessary.
To work out how much your Student Contribution will be before you study, you will first need to find out the Student Contribution band your subjects fit into based on their general discipline area.
You can then calculate your student contributions to work out the total amount of your contribution.
The Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) is a range of loans introduced by the Australian Government from 2005 to provide fee payment assistance to eligible students. Loans are for Australian citizens studying in Australia or overseas. Permanent residents who hold a humanitarian visa are also eligible if studying in Australia.
If eligible you may be able to defer all or part of your Student Contribution through the HECS-HELP loan program. You may also be eligible for OS-HELP if undertaking studies overseas.
New Zealand citizens and holders of an Australian permanent resident visa (other than an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) are generally not entitled to HECS-HELP assistance. If you are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident your Student Contribution amount must be paid in full by the census date.
However, the Australian Government has passed new legislation that changes the way some New Zealand citizens, who hold a Special Category Visa (SCV), studying in Australia will pay their fees. More information is available on the Changes to fees for New Zealand Citizens webpage.
If you are a domestic student, you can apply through our Western Application system which is free of charge.
Domestic students are:
Western Sydney University recognises and rewards students who demonstrate community engagement, outstanding academic ability and superior leadership skills. Donor-funded scholarships are also available, providing support for students based on both academic achievements and equity considerations. There are also scholarships available for specific degrees.
The fee estimates provided are indicative only and subject to change. These estimates are based on the current fee structures for a normal full time study load. However, the final fees may vary depending on several factors, including the specific subjects chosen, the duration and timing of study, and annual fee adjustments (subject to Commonwealth student contribution band rates). Please note that these estimates do not include the Student Services and Amenities Fee. We encourage all prospective and current students to consult with our Student Services Hub for the most current fee information.
As a multi-campus institution, Western Sydney University and its entities reserves the right to alter the location of its programs between campuses and other locations as necessary.
If you are an international student, you can apply for free through our international student application system or through an agent representative.
International students are:
If you are an international student completing the Australian HSC, IB or NCEA, apply direct via UAC International.
Admission to Western Sydney University is on the basis of meeting minimum academic and English language requirements. For more information about tuition fees and other costs, visit the Fees and Costs page.
When you apply to Western, you’re automatically assessed for a Scholarship, no additional application required! We’re offering multi-year scholarships (for up to 3 years) valued at $6,000 or $3,000 and even 50% off tuition fees. Scholarships are awarded on academic merit.
We're here to provide clarity.
If you're uncertain about your study journey, enquire about our program today and gain the confidence to move forward.
Australian students
1300 668 370
International students
+61 2 9852 5499
The fee estimates provided are indicative only and subject to change. These estimates are based on the current fee structures for a normal full time study load. However, the final fees may vary depending on several factors, including the specific subjects chosen, the duration and timing of study, and annual fee adjustments (subject to Commonwealth student contribution band rates). Please note that these estimates do not include the Student Services and Amenities Fee. We encourage all prospective and current students to consult with our Student Services Hub for the most current fee information.
As a multi-campus institution, Western Sydney University and its entities reserves the right to alter the location of its programs between campuses and other locations as necessary.